In 2010, Nick started kindergarten. When back to school shopping, Nick asked for light up shoes. Actually, he might have begged. Reluctantly, we bought them, although I was convinced the lights would give out well before the shoes were worn out (while my memory is fuzzy, I think I might have been right about that one).
Naturally, as parents, we wanted to buy shoes that were a bit more sturdy, shoes that might last at least until his feet grew. Yet, he was so excited to own shoes that created a light show with every step, we had a hard time denying him. Before we tried any on, I asked, “why”.
“Why do you want light up shoes, Nicholas?”
And he told me, he looked me straight in the face, saying “I need them. I don’t want them. Mommy, any day wearing light up shoes will be the ‘best day ever‘!”
When I questioned how light up shoes could have such an effect, he explained that no one could possibly have a bad day with light up shoes on their feet.
“Light up shoes make you happy! Light up shoes make everyone happy! They smile at you AND talk with you!”
So, we bought a pair of light up shoes, probably the only pair of his life. And a few days later, Nick went off to kindergarten with a sparkle of blue and green LED lights in every step.
And it made me think as I went to work that same day, what did I have that enabled me to have the ‘best day ever!’? I didn’t own light up shoes; in fact, they probably would have been a violation of the dress code. I did, however, have an amazing family – a handsome husband and two beautiful boys. I loved my job. I had wonderful friends. And I was happy. I could smile at people and maybe they’d smile back, then we would talk. We could share life. I didn’t need light up shoes to have a great day (turns out, Nick didn’t either). All on my own I could choose to have the “best day ever” every day.
The older we get, we all learn that objects do not make the day the best day ever, we do. But, looking back, I’m glad we bought Nick the shoes.
Originally written by Nick’s mom in 2011, with updates in 2020.